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Electrolytic vs poly

What’s the opinion on sound difference between say a Mundorf e cap or alcaps VS a lower end poly. E’s are so much cheaper in the mid and higher values compared to poly’s and films. Or is it more a life span issue rather than a sound issue. Talking speaker crossover's here. 
pkvintage

Showing 2 responses by erik_squires

erik_squires
16,589 posts
 
When replacing vintage caps, you need to measure the ESR, ESPECIALLY in parts that go to ground, or the even numbered poles.

Usually the big problem is in low pass filters. Replacing an old electrolytic with a modern cap may lead to unexpected drops in impedance. Measure the ESR and compensate for any differences with additional R values.

I've heard from several experimenters who felt that doing this in the bass was in fact quite beneficial.  Axon is a cheap version of Solen which in this case works quite well and is inexpensive.

erik_squires
16,589 posts
 
For inexpensive caps, I really like the Mundorf MKP line. Dark and smooth. Works great as replacements for the Solen OEM caps in most Focal speakers. Takes about 4 days of regular listening to finish breaking in.

My advice is, if you can, spend $30 (total) on a project and make up your own mind. :)

As for the high end Mundorfs, I find them far too colorful for my own tastes and prefer Clarity.
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